Imagine if the iconic Sidney Prescott from the Scream franchise had been portrayed by someone other than Neve Campbell. It’s hard to picture, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: Drew Barrymore was originally cast as Sidney, and her decision to switch roles almost changed the course of horror movie history. Yes, the same Drew Barrymore who was the It Girl of the '90s, with a star power that could’ve easily carried the film. Her early breakthrough in E.T. had already cemented her as a household name, making her the obvious choice to lead a high-profile project like Scream. Audiences adored her, and her presence alone would’ve drawn viewers in—no questions asked.
But here’s the twist: Barrymore wasn’t interested in playing the final girl. Instead, she wanted to take on the role of Casey Becker, the opening victim in one of horror’s most suspenseful sequences. In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Barrymore recalled, ‘I just read the script one night and thought, “This is unlike anything I’ve seen in so long.” It was cheeky yet terrifying—I had to be a part of it.’ And this is the part most people miss: her decision wasn’t a setback for the filmmakers—it was a game-changer.
Screenwriter Kevin Williamson wasn’t disappointed; he was ecstatic. In a 2021 oral history with The Ringer, he revealed, ‘I always wanted a big name to die in that opening scene. It was my Janet Leigh moment—a shocking twist that would leave audiences questioning everything.’ The studio loved the idea too, and they went all-in on keeping it a secret. Barrymore’s name was front and center in the marketing, with posters and newspaper listings billing it as her movie. This made her early demise even more jaw-dropping—a masterclass in subverting expectations.
Richard Potter, Dimension Films’ director of development, summed it up perfectly: ‘When you see the trailer, you’re convinced she’s the star. When she dies, you realize anyone could be next.’ But Scream wasn’t the first film to pull this kind of switcheroo. Psycho famously did it with Janet Leigh, whose character met her end 48 minutes in, despite being the face of the marketing. And let’s not forget Alien (1979), which kept Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley in the background for the first hour, making Tom Skerritt seem like the lead—until the alien had other plans.
While Barrymore’s role as Casey Becker was a brilliant fake-out, Alien arguably commits harder to the misdirection. Ripley’s slow reveal as the true protagonist keeps viewers guessing longer, making it the ultimate ‘anyone could die’ experience. But here’s the question: Which film do you think pulls off the twist better? Scream or Alien? Let’s debate it in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take!
